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Tech Startups and Team Dynamics: Why Some Need Marriage Counseling

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Tech Startups Need Marriage Counseling

 

Yes, you’ve read it correctly that tech startups need marriage counseling. To make our point, let us take a step back! Marital counseling helps with what exactly? It enhances the ability to resolve conflicts, fosters trust, fortifies the relationship between the parties, and swaps out ineffective tactics with effective ones. Marriage counseling and tech startups have more in common than you’d think. 

In this article, we’ll look into the current climate of the tech industry, especially startups, and see which challenges these companies face daily. We will also offer ideas on how marriage counseling can solve all these challenges. 

 

Being an Employee In a Tech Startup

Regardless of your role, there is a work environment that is specific to tech startups. There are many assumptions before stepping into this world, and a lot of them can’t be further from the truth. Yes, it is an industry that tends to offer the most flexibility and higher salaries for employees. However, that’s only one side of it.

Just like any other business, a startup will face many challenges. That said, keep in mind that most startups consist of young teams that really don’t know each other. Although they all work towards the same goal,  they could have different personalities, cultures, work preferences, etc. Ensuring that these factors are not obstacles to teamwork is not easy. 

One of the main differences when comparing startups to other companies is the need to raise money to develop and market a product. This adds another level of stress to startups. Will your idea be good enough for potential investors? Once they grant you money, will you be able to deliver on what has been promised? With all that in mind, how do you ensure that your employees are satisfied and motivated to work at the startup? 

Well, a lot can be done by shifting your perspective. Instead of reacting to problems that occur along the way, you should create a proactive approach that can be applied to a range of situations. That is the value that marriage counseling can bring to a tech startup. 

 

Common Challenges in Tech Startups

Tech startups face many challenges. Before getting into how marriage counseling can help startups solve these common challenges, let’s take a look at the challenges themselves to understand how startups react to them and why they appear in the first place.

 

Expectations

Managing expectations is one of the most typical problems in developing a startup team. Being the startup founder or a team manager, you could have a clear notion of what you want to accomplish, yet other team members might have differing opinions or might have alternative suggestions about how to get there. In addition, you have to manage a business’s unclarity and unpredictability, shifting investor demands, consumer desires, and market circumstances. Setting measurable goals, giving regular feedback and appreciation to your staff, and clearly and regularly communicating your vision and plan are all essential to managing expectations. 

 

Accountability and Autonomy

Finding a balance between accountability and autonomy is another common difficulty in assembling a startup team. You want your team members to feel empowered as a company entrepreneur to take initiative, take chances, and create. However, you also want to ensure they follow your guidelines and procedures and take responsibility for their activities. While you don’t want to micromanage your staff, you don’t want to let go of company control. Establishing a transparent reporting system, defining roles and duties, and fostering a collaborative and trustworthy culture are all necessary to balance responsibility and autonomy.

 

Conflict

Dealing with disagreement is another common challenge when forming a startup team. Any team will eventually experience conflict, yet startups face unique challenges due to their small budget, disparate viewpoints, and intense pressure. The way you manage conflict determines whether it becomes useful or harmful. Conflict may worsen and lower the morale and productivity of your team if you avoid or dismiss it. Effective handling and resolving disagreements may enhance your team’s communication, creativity, and performance. To resolve conflict, you must establish a polite and safe atmosphere, promote candid and open communication, and employ a just and efficient resolution procedure.

 

How Marriage Counseling Can Help Tech Startups

Whether you believe it or not, a tech startup works similarly to a marriage. Benefits can occur in the system only when everyone is on the same page. Problems arise when issues are ignored. Not handling problems properly and on time can lead to risk and loss. 

That is why many leading tech startups have started noticing that marriage counseling can get them to where they want to be. Marriage counselors are trained in discussing and solving the areas your startup is struggling with, such as:

  • Solve conflict and reduce it by learning conflict resolution techniques.
  • Create a leadership style that fits your startup, team, and personality.
  • Develop your dream team’s business-focused skills.
  • Learn how to align company activities with team and organizational goals.
  • Understand how to implement management changes without stress. 

 

Growing Together

Teamwork is often challenging. Learning how to work together takes a lot of effort, time, and trial and error. It can be a team of two to one hundred people, yet you will notice the same challenges when you get a system of people together. Once you start learning helpful strategies that can help you grow your tech startup business by taking care of your people, you will be able to reach success.

It is said that happy marriages require teamwork rather than rivalry. If they want to thrive and ensure that their employees are more effective, tech startups must know that having a marriage therapist on retainer is key to success. Writing down your company’s values is not enough; you also need to live up to them each and every day. What better way than a licensed professional who is trained with a master’s degree in systems theory to help your tech startup out?

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

Emotional Granularity: How to Understand Emotions Better

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Emotional Granularity: How to Understand Emotions Better

 

Emotional granularity, also known as an emotional distinction, refers to the ability to identify our exact emotions with terms other than the typical ones, such as “happy,” “sad,” “angry,” or “excited.” We learn to understand emotions as we become adults and face different life situations.  

We become more aware of our emotions as we mature. And we become adept at identifying various emotions, such as feeling cold, hungry, angry, sad, ashamed, joyful, etc. A person’s capacity to distinguish between the specificity of their feelings is known as emotional granularity. 

In this article, we’ll examine emotional granularity and how you can better understand your emotions to live a more fulfilling life. 

 

What Is Emotional Granularity?

The capacity to pinpoint exact details about our emotional experiences is known as emotional granularity. This makes it easier to comprehend and helps us cope with our emotions. While some people rely on more broad emotional strokes, others can engage in this process naturally. 

Many of us characterize our emotional states with cryptic phrases like stress. This can also sound like “that makes me sad” or “I’m just so mad.” These are helpful places to start. However, the more detailed we can be, the more capable we will be to respond to our emotions rather than just react.

When we can express our anger, we are likely to discover that numerous things or circumstances make us feel that anger. It can often be used as a mask for pain, humiliation, or shame. Just picture the sensation of having a friend or a partner who genuinely understands your situation and perspective. It’s comforting to feel secure and have a sense of belonging, right? By trying to understand ourselves better, we may offer that to ourselves on some level. 

 

Examples of Emotional Granularity

You have low emotional granularity if you identify and discuss your feelings with certain, limited phrases. For instance, you may choose to use terms like “excited,” “happy,” or “calm” to express your good feelings and “angry,” “sad,” or “afraid” to describe your negative ones.

People with severe depressive illness and social anxiety disorder have reduced emotional granularity, making it harder for them to distinguish between different negative emotions.

On the other side, those with high emotional granularity deal better with emotions in general. They frequently have fewer episodes of anxiety and despair, respond less strongly to rejection and setbacks, and are generally less likely to engage in self-destructive coping mechanisms like binge drinking, drugs, or violence.

Emotional granularity approaches have the potential to help even with phobias. Those people who have arachnophobia and have been trained to articulate their thoughts about spiders felt less anxious than those who are used to either thinking positively about the spider or avoiding it altogether. People with higher emotional granularity felt even more at ease going up to the spiders in person.

 

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters 

The skills and talents that enable you to recognize, comprehend, and regulate your own emotions and recognize and sympathize with those of others are referred to as emotional intelligence (EQ). Empathy may assist each of us in creating and sustaining deeper and better connections, whether in person or online, at work or at home. 

Being emotionally intelligent makes it possible for you to communicate clearly, sympathize with others, and be self-conscious and socially aware. How we react to each other and ourselves influences our work and home situations. Living in this world involves connecting with various individuals and embracing change and unexpected experiences daily. Emotional intelligence is the secret to how you react to what life throws at you. It’s also essential to have compassion and comprehend the underlying motivations of other people’s behavior.

When faced with challenging circumstances like conflict, change, and hurdles, EQ becomes even more crucial. Remembering to be nice during these moments is essential, and being aware of our feelings can support us. 

 

Benefits of High Emotional Granularity

Understanding the intricate details of emotions enables us to react perceptively, explain our experiences to others clearly and concisely, and thoroughly digest our feelings. Physical, mental, and emotional well-being are all intricately linked. We are focusing on all if we are focused on only one. Take an interest in the world of your emotions. Make inquiries about oneself and come up with responses. The beauty of reflection is that it gives us the freedom to reject things as they are.

 

Comprehending Complex Emotions

Every day, we encounter annoying circumstances, and things rarely go as planned. High emotional granularity reduces our likelihood of feeling overwhelmed in difficult or stressful circumstances because it allows us to respond to our emotions more precisely and even reinterpret them to suit our needs at that particular time.

 

Connecting Better with Others

We become more acquainted with a range of emotions when we strive to increase our capacity to distinguish between them with specificity. This aids in accurately identifying our own emotions and also the emotions and motives of others. When we understand people around us, we can better empathize with them, communicate more effectively, and build stronger bonds with them.

 

Improving your Behavior

When you understand your feelings more deeply, your brain can more easily perceive how you perceive a certain situation. You can pay serious attention to your instincts rather than leaving them aside. As a result, you can determine your options and the best course of action with greater accuracy. These experiences eventually shape your behavior and how you react to difficult circumstances in the future.

 

Practicing Emotional Granularity

Expand the vocabulary of emotions you know. This can be accomplished by storing a feelings wheel on your phone or printing out a copy. Use it to help identify your feelings more precisely the next time you are experiencing negative emotions. 

Describe your “bad” feelings in further detail: Do you feel scared, busy, stressed out, or bored? And then go into even more detail: Are you feeling indifferent or apathetic when you’re bored? Are you feeling abandoned or alone if you are lonely? 

You’ll have more accurate tools to deal with life’s numerous obstacles when you exercise emotional granularity. The benefits of higher emotional granularity are not something you will take for granted because they can have a significant effect on your health and well-being. 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

How to Improve Negotiation Skills

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How to Improve Negotiation Skills

 

Are you curious about how to improve negotiation skills? Then, this article is for you. The idea of being a better negotiator can be so daunting that we frequently put off making the required improvements. Luckily, you can break down this overwhelming undertaking into a few manageable strategies by maximizing the suggestions we mention below.

However, before diving into ways to improve your negotiation skills, let’s look into what negotiation skills are and areas where they are useful. 

 

What Is Negotiation?

A strategic conversation to find a mutually agreeable solution to a problem is called a negotiation. Buyers and sellers, employers and potential employees, two or more governments, and other parties all experience negotiation. 

In a negotiation, two or more sides work together to achieve a final, acceptable result for all parties. When one side presents its position, the other will either accept the terms offered or respond with its own position. The process is continued until both sides or talks reach a settlement without one.

Before a negotiation starts, experienced negotiators will often try to understand as much as they can about the opposing side’s position, including its advantages and disadvantages, how to properly prepare to defend their positions, and any anticipated counterarguments.

You can use three basic negotiation strategies: principled, soft, and hard. Competitive bargaining is the foundation of hard negotiations, whereas more compromise is seen in soft negotiations. To ensure long-term success for all parties concerned, principled negotiation emphasizes objective facts and interests more than individuals or viewpoints.

 

What Are Negotiation Skills?

It is worthwhile to devote time and energy towards enhancing your bargaining abilities, irrespective of your position or sector. It may also have a favorable effect on both your personal and professional lives. However, there may be obstacles to honing those abilities, like fear of confrontation, a lack of confidence, and trouble building relationships.

It is worthwhile to devote time and energy towards enhancing your negotiation abilities, irrespective of your position or sector. It may also have a favorable effect on both your personal and professional lives. However, there may be obstacles to improving those abilities, like fear of confrontation, a lack of confidence, and trouble building relationships.

Here are the negotiation skills you will want to improve for numerous benefits in your professional and personal life:

  • Communication
  • Active listening
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Patience
  • Adaptability
  • Comprehension
  • Problem-solving attitude
  • People management
  • Planning

 

Strategies to Improve Your Negotiation Skills

Negotiation is not only reserved for high-level corporate executives and hostage crisis specialists. It consists of skills we all use daily. Even in everyday situations, negotiations occur. Families may negotiate over how to spend movie nights or where to go on vacation.

 

  • Preparation Is Key. 

We all know that in order to negotiate well, we must prepare well. However, due to many reasons, we often need to complete this step. Many studies have demonstrated that better-prepared negotiators foresee advantages, neglect valuable sources, and defeat the negotiation. The most beneficial thing you could do to sharpen your negotiating abilities is to thoroughly prepare for critical conversations. 

This could entail scheduling a specific amount of time each day for research and ideas, making a to-do list for the negotiation, hiring a negotiation coach to help you sharpen your skills, or acting out the negotiation process with a reliable friend, relative, or coworker. 

 

  • Learn From Your Mistakes. 

Negotiation coaches frequently assign role-playing exercises to their students with the intention of at least partially exposing cognitive defects. When students realize they have been making poor decisions based on their intuition, they frequently experience feelings of being threatened and defensive. 

However, such actions do not indicate a weakness in the person. Experiencing discomfort with certain aspects of our conduct is essential in enhancing your ability to negotiate. You will be in a beneficial position to develop healthier thought patterns that you may use in your negotiations once you acknowledge that almost everyone is prone to judgment biases that skew our conclusions in negotiations.

 

  • Practice the Art of Exchanging Information.

Meeting the opposite side is the crucial point of negotiation. They have most likely also prepared themselves and have a strategy or two prepared. Practice saying what you want and need and also listening to the other side.

To successfully negotiate, you must be able to express your desires effectively. The other side will better understand what it could take to achieve a deal if they wish to, even though you might only obtain some things on your wish list. 

 

  • Enroll In a Negotiation Course.

There’s probably someone in your company you can ask for excellent counsel from during a crucial negotiation. Effective negotiation coaches emphasize enhancing your negotiation abilities more than just telling you what to do in a given circumstance. 

Seek a negotiation coach who can assist you in establishing objectives, selecting appropriate tactics, and comprehending the aftermath of the negotiation.

 

  • Reflect on Past Experiences. 

As soon as you begin to monitor your negotiations, take notes. It is possible to spot trends in your behavior and modify your bargaining tactics by going back and thinking about your previous experiences.

Consider your advantages and disadvantages. Examine ideas such as the zone of possible agreement (ZOPA) and think back to instances where you could have used them more skillfully to benefit you and your counterpart.

 

  • Learn to Understand Value.

Establishing and asserting value is essential to reaching mutually beneficial agreements in negotiations. As the bargaining process progresses, develop a good rapport with your counterpart. Actively listen to them, be receptive to their viewpoints, and show that you genuinely care about what they say.

Find places where your interests and views diverge from your counterpart’s, rather than looking for areas where you both agree. Finding methods to add value will increase the likelihood of the negotiation’s success.

 

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to improve your negotiation skills to progress in your career or to be more assertive when talking to people in your personal life, these strategies can help you produce the desired results. 

Strong negotiation skills can also help you better understand what you really want and don’t want and what you are willing to do to achieve it. It’s not just the art of confronting the other person; it’s a great way to know yourself better. 

 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

Do Celebrities Have Therapists? Yes! We work with them!

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Do Celebrities Have Therapists? Yes! We work with them!

 

If you’re asking, “Do celebrities have therapists?” This article will provide all the information you need. To answer your question, many celebrities have therapists and talk about it publicly.

Harry Styles, Katy Perry, and Michelle Obama have all discussed the value of therapy in their lives. Celebrities sometimes use therapists like yours because money does not protect you from problems.

 

Success and Therapy

Success often brings its own issues. As a celebrity or creative, you might struggle with the new crowd of people you attract. Guidance from an expert can help you navigate this new experience better. Some celebrities have spent years learning to enjoy success without feeling burdened by it. Remember that some celebrities have relationship coaches instead of typical marriage counselors because they need immediate guidance. Therapists can do this too!

Will and Jada Smith have spoken about how Will’s success and money have negatively affected their happiness. Will expected love could be proven best with money, driving Jada to depression as she felt they lacked a real connection.

Janet Jackson often said she didn’t deserve fame and the thousands of fans at her concerts because she grew up in her brother’s shadow.

For those without much privacy, being the star may hinder their ability to process loss, heartbreak, or stress. Expected to fulfill responsibilities, they lack time to grieve or spend a few days alone.

Money cannot protect you from such problems. Being rich simplifies some things, but it cannot control the world or prevent pain. For those earning less than $250,000 a year, money may help some problems, but that’s for another blog!

 

What Does Therapy for Celebrities Look Like?

Privacy and confidentiality are essential for quality therapist-client relationships. However, these factors are even more important for celebrities. Imagine driving to your therapist’s office with paparazzi waiting to take your photo and speculate on your mental health.

Many celebrities have video calls with their therapists or call them when they need support. Talking about private issues requires relaxation and concentration, which is difficult if you fear media exposure.

Celebrity therapists must understand privacy difficulties and how this lifestyle causes loneliness and mental health neglect. Celebrities should prioritize mental health over tours, employees, interviews, and appearances, yet that’s easier said than done!

Therapists must offer quality, tailor-made services accommodating celebrities’ schedules, security, and logistical concerns.

 

Healing Process for a Public Figure

Therapists treating well-known clients know they often battle mental health issues. Being in the public eye can make problems worse or lead to harmful behaviors, like addiction. Without mental health work, celebrities can lose the capacity to enjoy their successes and challenges.

Many in the public spotlight frequently suffer mental health issues and feel pressure to act as though they are not. Everyone has the right to improve their mental health by healing traumas and learning to deal with life better.

For celebrities, healing might be more difficult than for a private person. Their healing process might look different and bring different benefits. As many celebrities have employees, it’s in everyone’s interest to have an employer who can face challenges and make the most of opportunities.

Everyone experiencing fame should seek therapy, though healing times vary. Even if used to cameras and online attacks, this field has many things affecting mental health. Talking to a therapist or celebrity relationship consultant can help you understand and feel safe in any situation.

 

In Final Words

No one knows better how important it is to look after mental health than a therapist. Celebrity status shouldn’t prevent seeking help for mental health issues. Access to therapy is essential for everyone, especially those under constant pressure and living in the public eye.

Working with a therapist can bring tremendous benefits to a celebrity’s professional and personal life.

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

 

How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist: Enhancing Your Skills to Meet Requirements

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How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist: Enhancing Your Skills to Meet Requirements

 

If you have a desire to help people and are excellent at noticing patterns, consider finding out how to become a marriage and family therapist. Becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) involves obtaining a relevant master’s or doctoral degree. Gaining clinical experience, passing a licensure exam, applying for state licensure, and staying updated with ethics and legal regulations. 

MFTs focus on systemic approaches, cultural sensitivity, multigenerational understanding, collaboration, relationship enhancement, and preventive care. Many MFTs, including those at Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT). Also have over a decade of experience in communication coaching, relationship negotiations, improving friendships, understanding identity, and improving your overall mental health. 

Be sure to interview those whom you are seeking coaching from to see how much training they have! Even if you don’t use the degree yet and just take MFT classes, you will learn so much in this field.

 

Get Educated

First, you must obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from an accredited institution. Make sure the program you choose has accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or a comparable accrediting body. This degree typically requires 2–3 years of full-time study. Many of our staff at LCAT have completed this coursework. While in your masters program, you do 500 hours of direct client coaching. 

When finishing this program, most states require a certain number of supervised clinical hours in order to become licensed. You will need to complete a specific number of direct client contact hours under the supervision of a licensed MFT. This is typically around 1,000 hours, depending on the state, and 100 hours of supervision. Each state in the USA requires something different. International locations require a variety of means. For those of you who aren’t seeking diagnosis and treatment, we would love for you to inquire about our private coaching programs. 

After graduation, you begin the licensure exam process specific to Marriage and Family Therapy. The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy, which the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) administers, is frequently taken in the USA.

 

Exam

Once you pass the exam and are notified, you apply for state licensure with your state’s licensing board for Marriage and Family Therapy. Requirements vary from state to state. So you’ll need to research the specific requirements in the state where you plan to practice.

After obtaining your license, you’ll need to engage in continuing education to maintain it. Different states have different requirements for how many hours of continuing education you need to complete. At our practice, our therapists stay up to date on topics related to wellness!

As you progress in your career, you might choose to specialize in a specific area within Marriage and Family Therapy, such as working with celebrities, passionate couples. Those who are sexually curious, or specific mental health issues.

It’s important to note that requirements can vary significantly by state. So it’s crucial to check with your state’s licensing board or regulatory agency to get accurate and up-to-date information on the requirements in your area. Always ensure that you’re following the regulations and guidelines set forth by your state to practice legally as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

 

Why would you want to be a marriage and family therapist? 

Well, being a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) comes with several unique aspects that distinguish it from other fields of therapy and mental health professions. 

MFTs are trained to view individuals, couples, and families as components of larger systems. Therefore, family dynamics, relationships, and interactions with the community affect overall well-being. MFTs can address systemic dynamics, communication patterns, and relational struggles from this perspective.

It’s really important to consider how to become a marriage and family therapist, depending on where you are located. In general, MFTs explore how patterns of behavior and emotional dynamics can span multiple generations and within various communities of the person who is experiencing distress. This understanding helps MFTs uncover and address deep-rooted issues that may have been passed down through generations. MFTs are trained to work with diverse populations. Acknowledging the impact of culture, ethnicity, and identity on family dynamics and mental health. They strive to provide culturally sensitive and inclusive care to effectively address the needs of clients from various backgrounds.

The specialized focus on relationships, systems thinking, and the ability to address the complex relationship between individual well-being and family dynamics make marriage and family therapy unique.

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

 

Define EMDR Therapist and Learn How They Can Help You

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Define EMDR Therapist and Learn How They Can Help You

 

Are you uncertain about how to define EMDR therapist? If you’re unsure whether this type of therapy could benefit you, continue reading this article. We will explain EMDR therapy in detail and how EMDR therapists can help you understand and manage your emotional challenges.

 

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. It is a body-included psychotherapy that aids in processing and healing past events impacting your mental health and overall well-being. EMDR therapy has been shown to be effective in treating trauma more rapidly compared to traditional psychotherapy, which can often take years. Research suggests that EMDR therapy facilitates psychological trauma recovery in a manner similar to how the body heals physical wounds. Just as a cut needs time and care to heal without further irritation, EMDR helps clear the blocks preventing emotional recovery.

 

Definition of an EMDR Therapist

To properly define EMDR therapist, it is important to understand that EMDR is a specialized technique requiring specific skills and knowledge. This treatment should only be administered by qualified and licensed mental health professionals. An EMDR therapist is responsible for assessing the client’s readiness and creating a tailored treatment plan. They work with clients to identify potential EMDR processing targets, which may include upsetting recollections and current emotionally taxing situations, as well as relevant past incidents. The goal is to address negative perceptions, beliefs, and physical experiences connected to traumatic events to foster positive changes.

 

Difference Between EMDR and Other Therapy Types

EMDR treatment assists the brain’s natural healing process rather than attempting to alter feelings, thoughts, or behaviors related to traumatic situations. Unlike other psychotherapies, EMDR can achieve substantial progress in fewer sessions for many clients. The brain’s information processing system inherently aims for mental wellness, but emotional wounds can persist if not adequately addressed. EMDR therapists help clients initiate their recovery by using various protocols and procedures tailored to their individual needs.

 

Treatment Areas

The primary use of EMDR therapy is for treating trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with recognition from both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). However, EMDR therapy is also beneficial for a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, addictions, behavioral issues, marital problems, and more severe disorders like psychosis and personality disorders.

 

How EMDR Therapy Works

An EMDR therapist guides you through several phases within a specialized framework. They evaluate how your history influences your present, assess your current symptoms, and determine your readiness for EMDR. The therapy aims to alter the emotional significance of traumatic experiences. For instance, a survivor of a traumatic event may shift from feeling intense fear to developing a stronger sense of self-belief. Unlike traditional therapy, EMDR clients often gain insights through their own rapid mental and emotional processes rather than through the therapist’s interpretations.

 

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

If you haven’t tried EMDR therapy yet, you might be surprised by its wide-ranging benefits. These advantages are becoming increasingly recognized as effective therapeutic interventions. EMDR therapy helps individuals share their experiences and gain new perspectives as they work through trauma. It can also address anxiety and panic-related disorders, helping people manage stress and avoid relapses triggered by trauma.

 

Final Thoughts

Engaging in EMDR therapy is a significant step toward a more fulfilling life. Its greatest benefit lies in its ability to improve the lives of those affected by mental triggers and trauma. Like any treatment, the benefits of EMDR therapy increase with the effort and commitment invested. Over time, you may notice reduced sensitivity to past triggers and a greater sense of control over your life, ultimately leading to enhanced self-care and well-being.

Reach out and ask to schedule an appointment with Melody virtually for EMDR. 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

What is Compulsory Heterosexuality?

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What is Compulsory Heterosexuality?

 

Compulsory Heterosexuality, or comphet, is the harmful assumption that everyone is “straight until proven otherwise.” Adrienne Rich coined this term in her 1980 essay “Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence.” The term compulsory heterosexuality refers to how our society influences women to perceive all interactions with men as romantic or sexual.  

This can be incredibly harmful for everyone because not everyone is straight and not all women are attracted to men. By deciding that heterosexuality is the only kind of relationship that is acceptable, our society reinforces this systemic issue and erases LGBTQIA+ people. 

 

What is the Lesbian Masterdoc? 

The Lesbian Masterdoc is a 30-page document that is targeted at women who are questioning their sexuality. It explores the nuances between compulsory heterosexuality and actual attraction, empowering many people to recognize that they identify with being a lesbian. The document delves into the intricate details that distinguish between compulsory heterosexuality, which refers to societal expectations of being heterosexual, and genuine feelings of attraction. Its aim is to empower individuals by acknowledging and validating their lesbian identity. Through this resource, many people are able to gain a better understanding of themselves and confidently embrace being lesbian. 

 

What are some signs that I am experiencing Compulsory Heterosexuality? 

  1. You like the “idea” of being with men, yet when a man makes sexual or romantic advances towards you, you get incredibly uncomfortable. 
  2. Viewing relationships with men as a “chore” but not truly enjoying spending time with them. 
  3. “Picking” a guy to be attracted to or have a crush on. 
  4. Only being attracted to men that are unattainable or that you rarely or never interact with (Such as teachers, married men, or men that live very far away.)
  5. You lose all “attraction” or get very uncomfortable when there are any signs that a man likes you back. 
  6. Having to be drunk or high to have sex with men. 

 

What are some early signs that I am interested in women sexually or romantically? 

  1. Having an unusually close relationship with a female friend growing up that felt “different” and “special” in a way that you could not explain. 
  2. Having strong and abiding feelings of admiration for a specific teacher, actor, or other role model that were deep and reverent. 
  3. Feeling weirdly guilty and uncomfortable in locker rooms where female friends are less clothed than usual. 
  4. Feeling overly protective of female friends when they are hurt by men and thinking, “If I were a man, I would never treat her like that.” 

 

How can I tell the difference between attraction and compulsory heterosexuality? 

It can be difficult to tell the difference between actual attraction and perceived attraction due to compulsory heterosexuality. For example, someone who is a lesbian might blush when around men because she is uncomfortable. She might believe that she is experiencing butterflies due to the new relationship, when in actuality, she is feeling anxiety and fear. 

Some indicators that you might be going through compulsory heterosexuality instead of genuine attraction include having negative emotions such as discomfort, disappointment, or distress when imagining a future with a man. In addition, you may feel uneasy and self-conscious when men show interest in you.

 

I relate to a lot of this. Am I a lesbian? 

Maybe! If you relate to this article, it is something that you might want to consider. It can feel super overwhelming to question your romantic and sexual orientation yet there are resources out there to help support you in this journey. 

For the full version of the Lesbian master doc click here. It is a good place to start when considering whether or not you might identify as lesbian. If you continue to relate to the statements in the document, you may want to seek out an LGBTQIA+ therapist to help you navigate your feelings as you learn more about your identity. 

Finding community is very important when coming out and figuring out your identity, and it can be super validating and affirming to find a therapist in the LGBTQ+ community themselves. In addition, surrounding yourself with other members of the community can be invaluable in coming to terms with your sexuality. 

It is important to give yourself grace and understanding when learning about your sexuality. Compulsory heterosexuality affects everyone, and it is normal to have conflicting feelings when coming to terms with your sexuality. 

 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know Melody Atkinson, LMFT-A by making an appointment. Her specialization is in trauma-informed practices, alternative methods to explore ADHD, LGBTQIA+ relationships, and identity.

Start your journey here with Melody.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

Understanding Celebrities with Personality Disorders: A Compassionate Look

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Understanding Celebrities with Personality Disorders: A Compassionate Look

 

The conversation about mental health, especially as it relates to celebrities with personality disorders, has become more prevalent in our world, where the lives of individuals are more visible than ever. While the glitz and glamour often overshadow these conversations, it’s essential to remember that celebrities, just like us, have their personal challenges.

Firstly, it’s essential to clarify what personality disorders are. They are enduring patterns of inner experiences and behaviors that deviate from the cultural norm. These patterns manifest in two or more of the following areas: cognition, affectivity, interpersonal functioning, or impulse control. As a trauma-informed licensed marriage and family therapist, it’s imperative to approach this topic with sensitivity and compassion.

Recently, some celebrities have openly shared their diagnoses or experiences that align with various personality disorders. Their transparency has shed light on these conditions and shown that success doesn’t negate human struggles.

 

To List a Few Celebrities With Personality Disorders 

The comedian and actor Pete Davidson has talked candidly about his experience with borderline personality disorder. He has de-stigmatized the discussion surrounding celebrities with personality disorders by being open and honest about his experiences.

Another famous athlete in the NFL, Brandon Marshall, has been vocal about his diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, advocating for mental health awareness and treatment.

In addition to them, the openness about mental health in the celebrity community is a testament to the broader acceptance and understanding of such conditions.

It’s important to note that while some celebrities have been open about their diagnoses, many others have not. Speculation can be harmful, and it’s crucial to approach the topic of celebrities with personality disorders with respect and discretion.

One favorite person to discuss is Marsha Linehan, who is a psychologist who said she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, and that is why she created Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to develop effective treatments.

Although not officially recognized as a personality disorder, Demi Lovato, for instance, has courageously discussed their struggles with mental health, which resonates with many aspects of borderline personality disorder. For many, Lovato’s candor regarding their difficulties and road to recovery is a ray of hope, even though Lovato doesn’t say they have a personality disorder publicly. 

 

The Struggles of Fame

The effects of living in the limelight can exacerbate mental health issues. The pressures of fame, the constant scrutiny, and the demands of the industry can be intense. It’s important to keep in mind that celebrities face challenges in everyday life, and in some cases, their public persona makes those struggles seem more severe.

Understanding personality disorders requires a multi-faceted approach. There are various causes, including genetic, social, and environmental factors. Traumatic experiences, especially during childhood, can also play a significant role. As a trauma-informed therapist, it’s evident that societal judgment and stigma can further aggravate these conditions.

Furthermore, having a personality disorder doesn’t define an individual; it’s merely one facet of their holistic self. As society becomes more understanding, we hope more people, celebrities or not, feel safe sharing their stories.

As consumers of media, we play a role too. By approaching celebrities with personality disorders with empathy and open-mindedness, we can help create an environment that supports understanding and recovery. One where individuals are not defined by their conditions but by their strengths, talents, and contributions.

For those curious about the topic, always ensure that the sources you’re consulting are credible. The discourse around celebrities with personality disorders should be approached with empathy and understanding, remembering that they, too, are on a journey of self-discovery and healing.

In conclusion, as we continue to evolve in our understanding of mental health, it’s our collective responsibility to create a supportive environment. Whether celebrity or not, every individual deserves compassion, understanding, and the opportunity to thrive.

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

 

Return to Office Anxiety Help

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Return to Office Anxiety Help

 

If you need to return to the office and feel anxious about it, this article is for you. Like many others, you’ve probably also gotten used to working from home, sometimes in your pajamas, and having more flexibility in general. With more companies asking their employees to work at the office, you might feel strange.

Packing a lunch from home, eating out, and traveling may all have an effect on you once you return to office life. To assist you in overcoming these challenges, we have put together a few practical tactics for you to try.

 

Companies Asking Employees to Go Back Into the Office

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, working remotely has become the new normal. This makes it really difficult to come back from vacations and holidays and return to the office. 

During 2020 – 2021, all across the world, businesses were closing their physical locations, allowing their staff to work from home, and developing policies to help staff members get used to working remotely. However, many of these companies are now urging their workers to return to work and resume normal operations.

Naturally, this is difficult. Employees have already gotten used to working from home. You will have to give up having meetings in your pajamas, not having to get up earlier than 10 minutes before work, and doing housework while working when you return to work. Unsurprisingly, many employees are struggling to adjust to this work environment. 

Those of you who are, you are not alone. Adjusting to major changes takes time and patience. 

 

Common Challenges of Going Back Into the Office

Employees noticed challenges when they returned to work. However, you can overcome these challenges and start seeing the benefits of office work as you become more comfortable. 

 

Commuting Time

Returning to work has increased commute times, a major drawback. Remote work has reduced commute costs and time for many workers. Additionally, commuting may be exhausting and stressful, especially for people with lengthy commutes or who must use public transit.

 

Lower Flexibility

Employee flexibility may be lost if they return to the office. Many employees have valued the flexibility to work from home because it has made managing their personal and professional lives easier. Losing this freedom when returning to the office could result in lower job satisfaction and a greater turnover rate.

 

Ways To Get Used to Being Back At the Office

Luckily, there are several ways to adjust to the above and other challenges of returning to on-site work. If you try one of these techniques and you’re not feeling better, try again the next day. 

 

  • Slow Down

Though you may not enjoy returning to work, remember that your coworkers feel the same way. As they adjust, chatty coworkers may avoid talking to everyone. As you go at your own pace, so will they. 

 

  • Be Intentional with Your Time

Commutes will likely affect your time during this transition. Furthermore, you must learn that you cannot be in two places at once. Cooking and working from home are possible. When you return to work, you will have to give up that luxury. Ensure you use your time wisely, such as listening to books on the way to and from work, so you have more time at home to exercise, engage in hobbies, spend time with others, and cook.  

 

  • Create a New Routine

If you work from home, you are probably good at jumping on Zoom at the last minute. Having a morning ritual may seem antiquated.

Yet consider how you may combine your existing routine with the one you need. Determine when you should wake up and what kind of help you might need at home. Implement these steps gradually to have enough time to get used to them. 

 

  • Set Healthy Boundaries

Many boundaries were blurred by working from home. It may be quite difficult to keep business and home life distinct when you’re seated at a makeshift desk in your kitchen or bedroom. Now, you have the opportunity to establish boundaries about your availability, communication style, and the location and hours of your job with this return to the workplace. Consider what is most effective for your emotional and professional well-being, and let your boss and coworkers know what you discover.

 

  • Don’t Ignore Your Mental Health

Preparing for stressful events is a common practice, so it’s very acceptable to feel anxious. Consider taking these three actions: Set a time to go back to work, talk to others about your feelings, and have an internal discussion. Specific worries are not as bad as generalized anxiety. It is not unexpected or abrupt since it has an anchor date, which grounds it. You may better address your emotions and adjust to pressure by asking yourself questions.

Conclusion

Returning to the office is a complicated matter with advantages and disadvantages for both companies and workers. While returning to work might foster creativity and teamwork, preserve a positive workplace culture, boost output, and enhance employee wellbeing, it can also be expensive for companies, increase employee commutes, and reduce flexibility. 

When determining whether to have employees return to the office, businesses should carefully weigh these considerations and try to strike a balance that benefits both the business and the employees. With time, you will adjust well and be able to make the most of this new work environment. 

Quick Ways to Reduce Anxiety and Stress

quick ways to reduce anxiety and stress

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

Finding Harmony: Musicians with BPD

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Finding Harmony: Musicians with BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder)

 

Music has always been a channel for raw emotion, a way for artists to express their innermost feelings and experiences. Behind the stage lights and chart-topping hits, some musicians carry a unique set of challenges — Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). In this blog, we’ll explore the world of musicians with BPD, delving into their struggles, triumphs, and the powerful music they create.

 

The Emotional Soundtrack

Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by intense emotional instability, impulsivity, and a profound fear of abandonment. Musicians with BPD often use their music as a means of coping with these intense emotions.

 

Songwriting as Catharsis

Many musicians find solace in songwriting. It becomes their emotional outlet, allowing them to express the rollercoaster of feelings that come with BPD. The lyrics often resonate with listeners who relate to the same struggles.

 

The Power of Connection

Music creates a unique bond between artists and their audience. When a musician with BPD shares their experiences through their songs, it can help others feel understood and less alone in their own battles.

Life in the music industry is demanding, with constant tours, late-night performances, and intense public scrutiny. These challenges can be particularly difficult for musicians with BPD.

 

  • Unpredictable Mood Swings

BPD’s emotional instability can make it challenging for musicians to navigate the highs and lows of their career. It can impact their relationships with bandmates and industry professionals.

  • Self-Doubt and Impulsivity

Impulsive behaviors can lead to risky decisions both personally and professionally. Self-doubt can affect their ability to believe in their talents.

 

Coping Strategies

Navigating the music industry with BPD requires resilience and self-care. Many musicians have found effective ways to manage their condition while pursuing their passion.

 

Therapy and Support

Therapy, both individual and group, can provide essential tools for managing BPD symptoms. Support from loved ones and fellow musicians is also crucial.

 

Self-Care

Musicians with BPD often prioritize self-care to maintain their well-being. This includes adequate rest, healthy routines, and mindful practices.

 

Building a Supportive Community

The music industry is evolving, with more focus on the well-being of artists. Support networks and resources for mental health are becoming increasingly available.

The experiences of musicians with BPD remind us that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of their fame or talent. By speaking openly about their struggles, these artists contribute to breaking the stigma around mental health in the music industry.

 

Conclusion

The world of musicians with BPD is a testament to the power of music as a means of self-expression and healing. These artists remind us that even in the midst of intense emotional struggles, creativity and resilience can thrive. By sharing their stories and music, they inspire others to seek help, break the stigma surrounding BPD, and find harmony in their own lives.

 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

 

Positive Thoughts for Today to Help You Make the Most of It

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Positive Thoughts for Today to Help You Make the Most of It

 

These positive thoughts for today can encourage you to see the good side of things even when your day is off to a disastrous start, if you’re looking for inspirational quotations to brighten your spirits.

This collection of motivational “keep positive” quotes, thoughts, and messages can be helpful during these uncertain times. They range from upbeat sayings that foster optimism to heartwarming affirmations that’ll help you regain your “glass half full” mentality.

You can write them on a sticker note and put them next to your computer screen, in your favorite notebook, create a visual, and add it as a screensaver on your phone. Whichever way you choose, make sure you memorize these thoughts, as they can be exactly what you need to eliminate the stress of your day and reconnect with yourself again. 

 

Thoughts About Peace

“When you make peace with yourself, you make peace with the world.” — Maha Ghosananda

“Train your mind to see the good in every situation.” —Unknown

“Peace is not the absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” — Ronald Reagan

“Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” — Dalai Lama

“Peace is a journey of a thousand miles and it must be taken one step at a time.” —Lyndon B. Johnson

“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

“Nobody can bring you peace but yourself.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

“If you are depressed you are living in the past if you are anxious you are living in the future, if you are at peace, you are living in the present.” — Lao Tzu

“Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.” —Albert Einstein

 

Thoughts About Happiness

“The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.” — Victor Hugo

“Most people would rather be certain they’re miserable than risk being happy.” — Dr. Robert Anthony

“Happiness consists more in conveniences of pleasure that occur every day than in great pieces of good fortune that happen but seldom.” — Benjamin Franklin

“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.” – Andy Rooney

“It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.” — Charles Spurgeon

“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life.  When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up.  I wrote down ‘happy’.  They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” — John Lennon

“Happiness is a how; not a what. A talent, not an object.”– Herman Hesse

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn, or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” — Denis Waitley

 

Thoughts About Patience

“You can have it all. Just not all at once.” —Oprah Winfrey

“Patience is the mark of true love. If you truly love someone, you will be more patient with that person.” — Thich Nhat Hanh

“A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.” – Bruce Lee

“To lose patience is to lose the battle.” – Mahatma Gandhi

“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.” — Omar Khyyam

“Patience is not simply the ability to wait – it’s how we behave while we’re waiting.” — Joyce Meyer

“Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” — Napoleon Hill

“Two things define you: your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.” – Unknown

“Be strong enough to let go and wise enough to wait for what you deserve.” — Anonymous

 

Thoughts About Love

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” —Aesop

“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” — Barbara De Angelis

“Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time.” — Maya Angelou

“The regret of my life is that I have not said ‘I love you’ often enough.” — Yoko Ono

“Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” — Robert A. Heinlein

“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” — Lucille Ball

“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” — Rumi

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” — Lao Tzu

 

Thoughts About Creativity & Business

“Extraordinary things are always hiding in places people never think to look.” —Jodi Picoul

“To win big, you sometimes have to take big risks.” —Bill Gates

“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” —Robin Williams

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” —Walt Disney

“The power of imagination makes us infinite.” —John Muir

“The world is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.” —Bertrand Russell

“Art is the elimination of the unnecessary.” – Pablo Picasso

“The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” – Sylvia Plath

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” —Albert Einstein

“Create with the heart; build with the mind.” – Criss Jami

“Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought.” – Albert Einstein

 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

 

Goals.of Therapy: Ending With a Therapist

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Goals.of Therapy: Ending With a Therapist

 

After reaching your goals.of therapy, you may consider ending your therapy relationship at the right time and with the right attention. A smooth transition that complies with the highest standards might produce the greatest overall efficacy, even though some patients might choose to discontinue treatment early.

Psychotherapy’s effectiveness depends on many evidence-based factors, including a patient’s motivation, a therapist’s interpersonal skills, and their therapeutic alliance. The way a patient’s treatment ends can have a significant effect on how well they do going forward.

Even though they occur infrequently, the final sessions of therapy provide a unique opportunity to connect with patients about what their goals.of therapy were. Psychotherapy can be terminated in a manner that preserves patients’ well-being and encourages their continued development, even after treatment has concluded.

When all your therapy goals are met, learn how to end therapy here.

 

Is It Time to End Therapy?

Unlike our usual interactions, we expect therapy to end. The client may lose attachment to the therapist, and thus they feel their progress. A sudden termination may leave the therapist and client with unresolved issues and negative emotions like anxiety, sadness, and anger. 

Termination can be healthy, worthwhile, and successful if the client likes therapy and its end. Practitioners frequently admit to feeling proud and having rediscovered faith in the therapeutic process.

Before starting termination, the therapist should assess the client’s need for ongoing therapy. Once the relationship’s goals have been reached, it should, whenever possible, move into its final phase. In practice, however, it occurs on rare occasions when the working window has closed, insurance coverage has expired, or the client no longer wishes to proceed. 

 

Therapy Phases

The following four phases, which sum up early and ongoing planning, lessen the negative feeling of ending your goals.of therapy.

 

  • Limitations

The expected length of therapy can be made clear depending on what the client wants. Clients need to be informed that there may be restrictions due to time constraints, client insurance, or other issues if it is to be open-ended based simply on the progress achieved during sessions. Full information is needed for the client to make an informed decision and benefit from therapy. 

 

  • Determining Therapy Success

Ideally, by the end of therapy, all treatment goals will have been met. To accomplish this, the therapist and client must agree on the therapy’s goal. Early goal-setting determines the nature, focus, and scope of the treatment journey and its planned duration, even if circumstances change them.

 

  • Be Aware of Possible Interruptions

Even when they do not want to, therapists may end therapy. In some cases, the patient does not benefit from treatment, or a new or unrecognized romantic, professional, or financial relationship raises ethical concerns. Another reason could be safety, especially if the therapist has received threats or feels in danger, or illness, retirement, a change in home circumstances, or death. The client may be concerned about finances, the therapist, therapy direction, illness, or relocation. 

 

  • Planning for Termination

Endings are common. Instead, plan for it and work together to succeed. As with any phase, treatment termination is similar. It must assist the client in becoming ready to expand on what they have learned and continue successfully.

 

Methods for Ending Therapy

Make plans with your therapist to end treatment as part of your next stage of life, even if it is not soon.

There is no hard and fast rule. If you go to therapy once a week, you might want to cut back on how often you go over time. For example, you could go from once a week to twice a month, and then to once a month until you stop. 

Consider the therapy relationship’s strengths and how it changed over time, as well as goals achieved. Discuss how you can apply lessons from previous sessions to solve problems and advance.

 

Activities for Your Last Sessions

Exercises and activities can help patients and therapists prepare for the end of therapy and the final session. Each of the following exercises may be customized and utilized in telehealth sessions.

 

Therapy termination letters

When treatment is over, it might be beneficial for the client to send the therapist a letter reminding both of them of the journey and accomplishments. Writing a letter to the therapist might help a patient have a good sense of closure. This structure may be advantageous, particularly for kids.

 

Five-Second Game

All benefit from this entertaining exercise.

For instance, the therapist might create a deck of cards with one lesson on each card:

  • List three unfavorable emotions
  • List three uplifting emotions
  • Name three coping mechanisms for stress, anger, etc. 
  • Name three people you can rely on

The client chooses one instruction, and they are given five seconds to answer (this can also be done in a couples or family session). The client selects a number during an online or video session, and the therapist reads the card that goes with it.

 

Final Words

The complete therapeutic procedure depends on a successful treatment conclusion. Termination should be acknowledged as a crucial step in the therapeutic process that may trigger feelings in the client and the therapist. Termination that considers the ethical and therapeutic ramifications will be a beneficial stage of therapy if it is controlled and planned from the beginning.

In the first session, decide on the objectives and how the therapy will end. Regularly evaluate your progress toward your targeted results, and start preparing early for when treatment will cease.

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

 

Therapy for Children of Divorce: Especially if Your Child Lives With You

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Therapy for Children of Divorce: Especially if Your Child Lives With You

 

Divorce also affects teenagers, so it’s only natural to consider therapy for children of divorce as an option. Research shows that most people, including most children, struggle because they lack the necessary resources to deal with divorce, despite the fact that it is an extremely traumatic event. 

Media outlets such as newspapers, journals, and television shows regularly emphasize the long-term impact divorce causes, especially on the children of the divorcing parties. Despite making for dramatic headlines, this is not how scientific evidence works. Divorce in itself has no long-term impact on children’s mental health or academic achievement, according to research. The way in which parties treat one another as they are uncoupling can impact all ages of children whose parents are getting divorced. 

Children face various problems due to divorce, but most of them can overcome them after some adjustment. Although divorce is nearly always traumatic, it does not cause permanent harm if handled appropriately.

 

How to Explain Divorce To Your Child 

Children of various ages interpret divorce in different ways. Young children certainly have no concept of divorce, yet they do have a concept of changes in their daily routine. They value consistency and security above anything else. 

Younger children and teenagers may have similar questions: 

  • Where will I live now?
  • Will you leave me alone?
  • Where will all my things be now?
  • When will I see my other parent?
  • Will you still love me? 

Teenagers need information the most. As such, they need a brief but clear explanation. It is appropriate for children to know the reasons behind their parents’ divorce, but not all the details of their parents’ marriage. They are children, not friends.

 

Signs Your Child Needs Therapy After Divorce

Trauma and psychological anguish can have long-lasting effects that can drastically change a person’s life, well into adulthood. Because trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder are frequently invisible, it is important to notice this in others and suggest therapy if you can. 

These are some of the things you should pay attention to:

  • Atypical behavior,
  • Changes in eating and/or appetite,
  • Changes in daily functioning,
  • Lack of interest in things they used to enjoy, 
  • Sudden medical issues. 

 

Types of Therapy

Divorce may be challenging for the whole family, so it’s even more critical for all individuals to have the support they need. Fortunately, a variety of therapy services can assist in adjusting to the emotional and psychological repercussions of divorce.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) are some of the most popular types of treatment. Depending on the circumstances, starting therapy as a family might be beneficial to show you are a family, no matter what. 

The benefit of children of divorce going to therapy is coping mechanisms and an increased ability to process their emotions. Individuals benefit from therapy by having access to an objective person. A therapist can support and mentor them while they process their feelings around their parents’ divorce.

A therapist, for instance, can assist in identifying underlying problems brought on by the divorce, such as anger, anxiety, humiliation, guilt, and grief. With this knowledge, you may encourage them to express their feelings securely in a safe setting rather than suppressing or acting out inappropriately. People can better accept and get through challenging life transitions with the assistance of a qualified adult without experiencing long-term psychological issues.

Therapy for children of divorce can help mend complex concerns between parents and their children. According to research, a successful outcome in family therapy after divorce depends on parental participation. A therapist can suggest the most important ways for parents to support their children during this time. Therapists can also provide insightful advice on any possible parenting problems that must be addressed.

Collaborating with a skilled therapist ensures everyone gets the most out of the therapeutic process and lays the groundwork for long-term, healthy family interactions.

 

Conclusion

Much of what people believe about divorce will be different from what they are seeing. When parents provide information intended to assist their children rather than relieve themselves of responsibility or place blame on the other parent, it is easier. In all of this, the help of a skilled family therapist is valuable. They can support in ways that others cannot. 

 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

Signs of High Functioning Depression

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Signs of High Functioning Depression

 

Have you ever wonder what are the signs of high functioning depression? Recently, we’ve noticed it has become a buzzword in the media and wanted to offer a closer look into high functioning depression and signs that reveal it. 

It can be hard to explain depression to someone who has never had it. Only those who have experienced depression can genuinely understand the illness.

Different people deal with their depression in different ways. Some people self-medicate with drugs, others eat, and others isolate. While every case of high-functioning depression is different, some traits are common.

 

What Is High Functioning Depression?

This type of depression may appear milder when you are witnessing it. This suggests that people can usually continue their daily lives despite their despair. They work or study well, interact normally, and manage their responsibilities.

High functioning depression, however, can be a persistent and chronic condition. Even if its symptoms are less severe than those of other forms of depression, people who experience it do not find it unimportant.

High functioning depression is less ‘visible’ than other forms of depression. As a result, both medical professionals and people who are suffering from this type of depression might overlook or ignore it. It may, however, negatively affect quality of life, so it’s crucial that those suffering from high-functioning depression can access the assistance they require.

 

Signs of High-Functioning Depression

Your constant melancholy and mild symptoms may lead to the normalization of your high functioning depression and the assumption that it is only due to your personality. Rather than seeing you as having a persistent mental health illness that requires treatment, other people can think of you as being unhappy, depressed, sluggish, unable to have fun or just “loosening up.” Because of this, high-functioning depression might be challenging to identify.

The symptoms of high functioning depression can also develop gradually, with few or no triggers, as opposed to arriving suddenly or after a specific trigger or stressful event.

Many of the recognizable symptoms of clinical depression are still present in someone who struggles with high-functioning depression. However, this type of chronic depression has several distinctive characteristics, such as:

  • Eschewing social interactions
  • Appetite changes (increase or decrease)
  • Having trouble focusing or making judgments
  • Excessive irritation or anger
  • Low energy and weary
  • Losing hope
  • Feeling empty, depressed, or down
  • Remorse or concern about the past
  • A low sense of self
  • Decreased activity, effectiveness, or productivity
  • Self-doubt or a sense of being unable to do certain things
  • Sleep issues

 

Living with depression of any kind, including high-functioning depression, is challenging. Antidepressants, psychotherapy, regular exercise, and mindfulness practice are all recommended as part of a treatment plan that may provide some help.

Coping with High Functioning Depression

It may be quite taxing to have high functioning depression. To help you cope a little better each day, you may do a few things.

 

  • Exercise

It’s easy to disregard your physical health and wellness while you’re depressed. However, taking care of your bodily needs can also improve your mental state.

Try to get some exercise every day, even if it’s only a short stroll in the open air for ten minutes. Exercise increases the “happy chemicals” in our brain, which can make us feel better. 

 

  • Question Your Negative Thoughts

Negative thoughts and feelings of hopelessness are among the signs of high functioning depression. It’s crucial to try to dispel these pessimistic ideas whenever they pop up.

You may perceive things as more balanced, optimistic, and healthy by challenging your cognitive processes, which can lift your mood.

 

  • Connect with Your Family and Friends

While you might want to keep your feelings to yourself and isolate yourself from others, it’s crucial to attempt to keep up a support system with people you can rely on. It may be really beneficial and soothing to simply have someone there for you during difficult times who can listen to how you’re feeling without passing judgment.

You can also think about attending a support group for depression, where you can speak with others who are experiencing similar problems. 

 

  • Do Little Things That Make You Happy

Happiness may only last a brief period for someone with high functioning depression. Because of this, it’s crucial to make an effort to include things that make you joyful in your everyday life.

Try to do the activities you like as frequently as possible after you’ve found them. These may include the following:

  • Playing your preferred music
  • Interacting with a pet
  • Watching a favorite movie
  • Reading a book 
  • Preparing your favorite dishes

 

Seeking Help

People with high-functioning depression could believe they aren’t unwell enough to want assistance and opt not to ask for it. Nothing could be farther from the truth since depression still reduces quality of life even when it is highly functioning.

It’s crucial to remember that ‘high functioning’ does not equate to optimal functioning. Even if they can complete the majority of duties on most days, people with dysthymia nevertheless have some level of impairment.

Even if you associate your sadness with severe situations or stereotyped symptoms that don’t apply to your situation, you may still receive professional assistance and benefit from it.

Early intervention is crucial, just like with physical disorders. Any signs of depression that go untreated might limit functioning or develop consequences, including substance abuse, chronic pain, and suicidal thoughts or actions.

No one should have to suffer from chronic depression when there are excellent medications readily available. First, consult your primary care doctor or other healthcare professional if you experience any symptoms. Depression treatment often includes talk therapy and medication.

Learn to witness your emotions without judgement and come see a professional if needed. 

 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

 

Conflict in the Workplace: What to Do About Them

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Conflict in the Workplace: What to Do About Them

 

Whether you’re working in an office or from home, you’ve probably noticed a conflict in the workplace at least once. It might have been when certain expectations were not met or when the communication between supervisors and employees was not efficient, yet conflicts are quite common in any type of workplace. 

However, there are certain things you should learn how to manage to protect your mental and emotional health. To help you thrive in a healthy, sustainable environment, we took a look at the types of conflicts at work.

 

Different Leadership Styles

A leadership style becomes an issue if a new leader is introduced in the company and all employees must adapt to a new way of working and communicating. For instance, your previous boss might have been more laid-back and preferred a casual way of working. This might have implied that you could have been a few minutes late to work, had flexible deadlines, or reported on your work while sipping coffee in the hallway. 

Your new leader might have a completely different style of leading the company. They might be strict and highly technical, so you will need to be detailed in your work and report in a more concentrated way than you’re used to. This can create conflicts as everyone in the team is used to working in a certain way, so adjusting to all the changes might take time and patience. 

 

Work Style Conflicts

There are various work styles, just as there are various leadership styles. While some people like to work in teams, others are more productive working alone. Some people can finish a task with no additional guidance, yet others prefer outside input and guidance at every stage. Some people work better under pressure, while others prefer to finish their chores quickly.

Here, as well as in any workplace disputes or contact with other people, the same concept of mutual respect and understanding is applicable. Regardless of our preferred working methods, teams occasionally need to work together to generate ideas that are better than what any one person could come up with on their own.

 

Conflicts around Different Personalities

We won’t always get along with everyone we meet, and it might be challenging to deal with someone whose personality offends us. It’s important to keep in mind that people are not always what we perceive them to be. This brings up the subject of comprehension and empathy again. Don’t let what you’ve seen dictate how you’ll always feel about someone.

The best way to increase comprehension and empathy in workplace communication The better you get to know your peers, the easier it will be to understand them and their actions. 

 

Discrimination at Any Level

Conflict at work can get more serious at this point, and human resources may need to get involved. There is a critical necessity for the business to expressly highlight open-mindedness, acceptance, and understanding if there is harassment or discrimination taking place because of age, race, ethnicity, gender, or whatever the case may be.

All of us can learn to get along. Being able to work with people from different cultural backgrounds is an excellent way to learn more about the world. A diverse team is a company’s strength and not its weakness, yet learning how to make the most of it is where many businesses fail to succeed. 

 

Conflicts around Ideas

When it comes to concept brainstorming, conflict presents a fantastic chance to improve the idea. Employees must be able to listen to others’ ideas, express their own, and then put all the best parts of the puzzle together to create a magnificent solution.

If two people have conflicting project ideas, they may consult each other and mutually choose one or the other. They might also try to reach a compromise so that both perspectives can be heard and a stronger result of their cooperation emerges. If necessary, they could speak with a superior or a different coworker to mediate the situation or get their perspective on the chosen course of action.

 

Conflict Resolution

The first step is to take a deep breath and acknowledge that conflict is real. Next, talk with the other person(s) concerned to come up with a plan to resolve the issue before the tension between you becomes intolerable.

Keep things from turning passive-aggressive. Deal with the conflict before it escalates. Don’t let your feelings control you. Remember that there are always two sides to every story, and say what needs to be said without shouting or being rude. It’s possible that what someone else was feeling during their contact with you wasn’t always the same as what you were feeling. Be receptive to different perspectives. Recognize that you aren’t always right in advance.

People should get together to discuss and, more importantly, to listen. Engage in conversation with one another while drawing on your empathy. Make sure you both have a chance to say everything you need to say by taking a seat somewhere. 

Don’t just wait for your moment to speak; pay attention to what the other person has to say. Pay close attention to what they say and make an effort to think and feel like they do. Make sure you comprehend what they meant to say, not simply what you think they were saying, by asking questions.

Think about your behavior from both perspectives. To overcome the issue, it helps to comprehend the other person’s perspective and what they are thinking and feeling.

Consider where you agree instead of where you disagree. Just keep in mind that we are all human. We make mistakes and misinterpret events. Empathy for one another can help us overcome disagreements and make each other better individuals.

 

In Final Words

Conflicts will happen, yet how you react to them is what differentiates healthy environments from unhealthy ones. Even if you think that your opinion cannot change a thing, keep in mind that you’re a part of the workforce in the company, and often, it takes only one person to lead to a positive change. 

If you have an HR department or work for one, ask us about special packages to help you out of difficult situations.

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.